You only need a few things inside the carrier: an absorbent base and a washable fabric item that smells like home, with nothing loose or bulky. Keep a spare within reach so a travel mishap doesn’t catch you unprepared. After an accident, clean with gentle, unscented products, let the carrier dry thoroughly, and put it back in its usual place at home.
What to put inside and what to leave out
Put inside:
- An absorbent pad or mat on the bottom: it absorbs liquids and can be changed in a moment.
- A washable fabric item with the scent of your cat’s bed, placed over the base: a familiar scent makes the inside feel less unfamiliar, and if the fabric gets dirty, you can wash it separately. In summer, choose something lightweight so it doesn’t get too warm inside.
Leave out:
- Small toys: they roll around at every turn and get dirty.
- Full bowls during the trip: they spill and get everything wet.
- Bulky cushions: they take up space your cat needs and are hard to wash.
A practical rule: if an item can shift, spill, or take up space, leave it out.
The travel emergency kit
Keep the travel kit outside the carrier, within reach of whoever is accompanying the cat, so you can grab it without opening the door. You’ll need:
- A sealed bag with a spare absorbent pad and fabric item, kept clean and dry.
- Bags for waste, to seal up anything you remove right away.
- Paper towels or unscented wet wipes, to blot without adding scents.
- Disposable gloves, so you can help without getting dirty.
- Water and a small bowl, for stops on long journeys.
Restock anything you use after each outing so the kit is always ready.
If it happens during the journey
If your cat pees or vomits in the carrier during the journey, stop as soon as you can in a safe place. Open the carrier only inside a car with the doors and windows closed, or in a closed room—never outdoors, where your cat could escape. If you don’t have an enclosed space, don’t open it; wait until you arrive.
Replace the soiled layer with the spare and seal the used one in a bag. If your cat’s fur is dirty too, blot it with a damp cloth; don’t try to give your cat an improvised bath. Before setting off again, give your cat a few minutes to settle.
Cleaning at home, step by step
To clean a cat carrier after an accident, follow these steps:
- Remove the fabric items and wash them separately.
- Remove any residue with paper towels and throw them away.
- Wash the shell, door, grilles, and corners with warm water and a gentle, unscented detergent.
- Rinse well so no detergent residue remains.
- Let everything dry completely and air out the carrier.
- Check that no odor remains; if there is one, wash and rinse again.
- Before putting the carrier back together, check the fasteners, pins, screws, and cracks.
If a fabric item is still stained or retains an odor after washing, replace it. Avoid strongly scented products, including ammonia-based ones: they leave a lingering smell your cat may dislike. Whatever product you choose, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
If it happens on every trip
If vomiting, peeing, or bowel movements happen on every trip, it’s not just a cleaning issue: they may be due to motion sickness, severe stress, or other causes, and should be discussed with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can assess what to do, including whether it’s best to skip a meal before traveling: don’t decide on your own about timing or remedies. If your cat seems unwell, contact your veterinarian right away.
Record each episode with the date, journey duration, and what happened. This won’t help you determine the cause—that’s for your veterinarian—but it will give them precise details to work from. In the PawsPet app, from the pet’s profile, under the «Health» tab, tap the «+» button to add an «Other» entry with a name, date, and notes for each episode. You can then find the entries in «History» using «Filter» and show them at your appointment.
Put it back in its usual place
Once the carrier is clean and dry, return it to its usual spot at home, with a familiar fabric item inside and the door open, so your cat can approach it whenever they want. Over the next few days, leave a few treats inside during calm moments, without forcing your cat, so the last memory associated with the carrier isn’t the accident. Prepare the spare kit today and keep it next to the carrier.
Frequently asked questions
Should I wash it after every use or only when it’s dirty?
If the trip went well and there are no stains or odors, a full clean isn’t necessary: just check the bottom and corners, and change the fabric items only if they’re dirty. After an accident, follow the steps above.
Can I put a piece of clothing I’ve worn inside?
Yes, it can provide a familiar scent, as long as it follows the same rules as other fabric items: washable, not bulky, and without drawstrings, buttons, or dangling parts. If it gets dirty, replace it like any other fabric item.
